Bridge-Controlled Bus Interface for Multi-Protocol Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor devices face challenges in accommodating different communication protocols, leading to increased wiring and costs due to the need for multiple CAN transceivers when integrating devices with varying communication protocols.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with integrated bridge functions allows for simultaneous communication with devices using different protocols by employing a single CAN transceiver, reducing the number of transceivers and wiring through a dual bus system and through-output control mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple CAN transceivers are used to accommodate different communication protocols, then communication compatibility is improved, but device complexity and wiring complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The semiconductor device integrates multiple communication protocol support (CAN, LIN, FlexRay, I2C, UART) within a single device architecture, allowing one transceiver to handle multiple protocols through configurable modes and bridge functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated transceivers for each protocol
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a bridge function that acts as an intermediary between different communication protocols, enabling data transmission between devices using different protocols through a single transceiver by converting and forwarding data packets between protocol domains
2Device complexity
If a single CAN transceiver is used for all devices, then device complexity and wiring are reduced, but communication compatibility with different protocols deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transceiver operates in dynamically switchable modes (CAN mode, LIN mode, FlexRay mode, I2C mode, UART mode, bridge mode) that can be configured based on the communication requirements, allowing a single static hardware component to adapt its behavior dynamically to different protocol requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes its operational parameters (communication protocol type, data format, baud rate, signal levels) based on the detected or configured protocol requirements, enabling the same hardware to function across multiple protocol domains by adjusting its operational characteristics
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transceivers are deployed to support different protocols, then communication functionality is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple transceiver functions and protocol handling capabilities into a single integrated semiconductor device, combining what would traditionally require separate CAN transceivers, LIN transceivers, and other protocol-specific transceivers into one unified component, thereby reducing the total quantity of transceivers needed
Data Source
AI summary
In a semiconductor device, a first receiving section and a first transmitting section are configured such that when a bridge selection data included in a reception data indicates that a through-output between a first bus and a second bus is on, data for a first device included in the reception data is through-output from the first output terminal to the second bus; a clock signal output section is configured to output a clock signal synchronized with the through-output data; and a second receiving section is configured to receive an acknowledgment transmitted from the first device via the first input terminal in response to a reception of the through-output data.